During your daily scroll, have you noticed two hot topics that are on-trend? Holistic beauty and a strong immune system! Actually, they’ve been top of mind for quite some time, especially as separate subjects. However, the practice of Holistic Beauty is surprisingly linked to a strong immune system. Defined as looking at the “whole picture,” including body, mind, and spirit, holistic beauty embraces natural products and methods. Regular practices such as stress management, sleep, nutrition, detoxification and exercise are all essential to not only strengthen the immune system but also nurture holistic beauty. Let’s dive deeper into 5 ways that holistic beauty supports the immune system:
Stress Management
Stress causes an increase in cortisol, a hormone that helps us deal with stress. Cortisol is a natural and normal bodily function when experienced in small amounts. However, when stress is a constant, cortisol in large and frequent amounts can cause increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, fat storage and inflammation. The long list of ways stress can harm your body adds up to a weakened immune system that opens the door to a number of harmful illnesses, infections, viruses and diseases. Everybody is unique in the way that they manage stress. Of course, yoga and meditation are amazing tools, but drinking tea, using essential oils, movement and play, human connection, and laughter are all good ways to calm stressful times. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for relaxation and healing. During sleep, our body releases proteins called cytokines, chemical messengers that manage our immune system. Dr. Eric J. Olson from Mayo Clinic explains, “Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines.” Prolonged periods of sleep deprivation can cause or contribute to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
For better sleep, create a regular schedule that also allows for a calming bedtime routine. This might include a facial care routine, reading, meditation, writing in a gratitude journal, essential oils, and/or breathing exercises. Also, try setting down your phone or screens up to an hour before bedtime.
Whole Food Plant Based Nutrition
Over two-thirds of your immune system is located in your gastrointestinal tract. Diet is crucial to total health and beauty. Your immune system surveys everything that passes through the gut, and goes into high alert when it sees something that it doesn’t recognize such as processed and refined foods, GMOs, homogenized products, etc. If the body is already overwhelmed or stressed, the immune system can cause inflammation, skin rashes, and chronic disease. Whole Food Plant Based Nutrition is at the heart of Zing Bars. Replace those highly processed energy bars loaded with ingredients you can’t pronounce with our Dark Chocolate Coconut Nutritional Bars made with heart healthy nuts, flavor-packed coconut and the crispy texture of brown rice, pea protein and quinoa. SEE ALSO: Zing Ingredients: The Foundation For Energy and Focus
Exercise
When we exercise, it increases the exchange of white blood cells in the body’s tissues, which strengthens the immune response, and flushes blood and lymph vessels. This is especially important during times of stress, which can lead to a weakened immune system.There are endless beauty and immune system benefits to exercise, such as:
- Circulation
- Hormone balance
- Skin detoxification
- Weight management
- Mental health
- Improved sleep
- Fight infection
- Increase bone density
Try incorporating some type of movement into your daily routine. Take a brisk walk, complete a short HIIT workout or take a jog around the park for beauty and immune system support.
Clean and Sustainable Beauty Products
Many beauty products contain a heavy load of toxins that can cause skin rashes or breakouts, stress to our immune system and hormone imbalances, as well as cancer and reproductive harm. Not only do these chemicals wreak havoc on our bodies, but also the environment. If you’re new to clean and sustainable beauty products, the most important step is to educate yourself. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is the best place to start for learning more about toxins in personal care products. They also offer consumer guides to help you make the best decisions when buying new products.The link between holistic beauty and a strong immune system is one that can’t be ignored. Trend-worthy or not, nurturing your whole body health is top priority, and should not be ignored. If you’re on board for holistic beauty and a strong immune system, an easy way to get started is to try our Coconut Cashew Crisp Protein Bar. Visit our shop to place your first order for Whole Food Plant Based Nutrition.
